Antioxidants: What are they, Benefits, Sources and Types |
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Antioxidants: What are they?Oxygen is one of the essential elements needed by our body but as our body cells use it, free radicals are also produced. And this can cause damage in our body. Antioxidants on the other hand terminate free radicals although they themselves are oxidized to prevent other oxidation processes. Oxidation is one of the vital life processes both to animals and plants. However since it can also cause damage, a complex system of multiple types of antioxidants is needed. Among the types of antioxidants are Vitamin C, E and glutathione along with other enzymes like superoxide, catalase and dismutase. Failure to have antioxidants can inhibit antioxidant enzymes which can cause stress during oxidation process leading to cell damage or worst, cell death.Nowadays, antioxidants are widely used as part of dietary supplements to prevent various diseases like heart diseases and cancer. Aside from this function, it is also used as preservatives in food and other cosmetics.Antioxidants: What they do?Among the proven benefits of antioxidants in the body are protection against coronary heart diseases, cancer and other eye diseases like age related muscular degeneration. Stronger immune system and cardiovascular health along with better protection against stroke and heart attacks is also identified with antioxidants. Antioxidants are also treated as medication for various brain injuries since the brain is prone to oxidative injury considering that it requires high metabolic and oxidation rates. However, antioxidants used for such require complex process to be used a treatment. Since it is proven to minimize the damaging effects of free radicals, it can also prevent various diseases especially those that involves the heart and brain. Antioxidants: Where can they be found?The level of antioxidants in food is not that easy to determine since there are other compounds that have different reactions with oxygen. But in general, it is most commonly found in the following:• Vitamin CThese are found in citrus fruits like lime, oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, green peppers and green leafy vegetables.• Vitamin ENuts, seeds and other whole grains are the main sources of antioxidants, along with liver oil and vegetable oil.• Vitamin A and CarotenoidsCommon sources are squash, sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, peaches and other bright colored vegetables and fruits.• PhytochemicalsSoy, red wine, pomegranate, tea and cranberries along with watermelon and tomato products have high amounts of antioxidants. Types of AntioxidantsIn general, antioxidants are classified depending on whether it is soluble in lipids or in water. Water soluble antioxidants react with oxidants in the blood plasma and cytosol. Lipid-solubles on the other hand functions as protection for the cell membranes against lipid peroxidation. Natural Antioxidants in Plants and AnimalsAscorbic AcidAscorbic Acid or Vitamin C is an agent that can reduce and neutralize reactive oxgen, and in turn reduce oxidation stress.GlutathioneThis is one of the vitally important cellular antioxidants to boost your immune system, improve eyesight, turns carbohydrates into much needed energy and prevents build up of bad fat.
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